Skip to main content
$4,540Tuition
1,923Students
27%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,132Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Dyersburg State Community College

Dyersburg State Community College serves 1,923 students in the heart of rural Tennessee's farming country. The college has built a reputation for practical career training and workforce development since 1969. Classes average 27 students per faculty member, creating an intimate learning environment where professors know their students by name.

The school delivers strong value for Tennessee families. In-state students pay just $4,540 in tuition, and after financial aid, the average net price drops to $4,322. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying only $3,618 net. Graduates typically leave with just $6,900 in debt and monthly loan payments of $73. The investment pays off quickly, with recent graduates earning a median of $36,132 within ten years.

Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. The Eagles compete in five NJCAA sports with 100 total athletes sharing $130,575 in athletic scholarships. Nearly all students come from Tennessee, with 96% choosing to stay in-state for their education. The 95% employment rate shows that local employers value Dyersburg graduates, though the 27% six-year completion rate suggests many students take longer paths to their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Dyersburg State focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college serves a largely local population, with 96.51% of students coming from Tennessee. Students work with a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes typical of community colleges but still allows for practical, hands-on learning. The 27.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Women make up 71.45% of enrollment, reflecting strong participation in the college's health sciences and business programs. The college emphasizes affordable education with workforce development partnerships throughout northwest Tennessee.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
27:1
Full-Time Faculty
38.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
27.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,132

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $56,949
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $43,798
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $33,993
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,808
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $24,421
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. Associate $18,771

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Dyersburg State sits in a small Tennessee town about 80 miles north of Memphis. Women make up 71% of the student body, creating a campus where nursing and healthcare programs dominate conversations. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for sweltering summer days that hit the 90s.

As a commuter school with 96% in-state students, the campus empties on weekends when most students head home or to jobs. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes where you might not always get individual attention. With only 100 athletes across five sports, game days draw modest crowds rather than packed stadiums. Students often gather in the student center between classes, but don't expect a bustling nightlife scene. The rural setting means entertainment options involve driving to nearby towns or Memphis for concerts and major shopping. Most social connections happen through study groups, work-study programs, or the handful of student organizations that meet during weekday lunch hours.
Setting
Town-Remote
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1969

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
28°–46°F
July Avg
70°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
51.0"
Annual Snowfall
-774.0"

Student Demographics

Dyersburg State draws overwhelmingly from Tennessee, with nearly all students staying close to home for affordable education. Women make up more than two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and allied health fields. The campus serves a diverse rural community where about one in four students is Black and most come from working-class backgrounds. These students choose Dyersburg for practical career training that leads directly to local jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, and public service.
Men
28.6%
Women
71.5%
White
66.4%
Black
22.1%
Hispanic
5.0%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
96.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
37.2%

Location

Dyersburg State Community College sits in Dyersburg, Tennessee, about 75 miles northeast of Memphis. The campus serves a remote town of roughly 16,000 people in northwest Tennessee's agricultural region. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational anchor. The area combines small-town charm with proximity to the Mississippi River and farmland that stretches toward the Kentucky border. Students experience a close-knit community atmosphere typical of rural Tennessee towns. With 71% of the student body being women, the campus has developed strong programs in healthcare and education that match regional employment needs. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Dyersburg State Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Dyersburg, Tennessee 38024-2411

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,132
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,018
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,300
Loan Repayment Rate
36.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$73/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,900

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Dyersburg State Community College?

As a community college, Dyersburg State maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,923 students primarily from Tennessee, with 96.51% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular entry point for students beginning their higher education journey in northwest Tennessee.

How much does Dyersburg State Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,322 after aid, making it highly affordable for community college education. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,618 on average. With median debt of only $6,900 and monthly loan payments of $73, graduates avoid the heavy debt burden common at four-year institutions.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Dyersburg State Community College?

The college operates with a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but means larger class sizes than at smaller institutions. Students can choose from programs designed for either transfer to four-year universities or direct entry into the workforce. The college emphasizes practical training and career preparation through its various technical and academic programs.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Dyersburg State Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 27.40%, reflecting the part-time and working student population common at community colleges. However, graduates find strong employment opportunities with a 95.4% employment rate and median earnings of $36,132 ten years after enrollment. The college serves as a stepping stone for many students who either transfer or enter skilled trades in the regional economy.

Where is Dyersburg State Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Dyersburg, Tennessee, a small town in the state's northwest corner near the Kentucky border. With 71.45% female enrollment and a diverse student body that is 66.41% white and 22.05% Black, the college reflects the regional demographics. The Eagles compete in five NJCAA sports with 100 total athletes, though most students commute and focus on academics rather than traditional campus activities.

Does Dyersburg State Community College offer good financial aid support?

About 37.18% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based aid distribution. The college awards institutional grants to 23.61% of students, averaging $6,474 per recipient. Only 9.03% of students take federal loans, suggesting that the low tuition and available aid make the college affordable without extensive borrowing for most families.